Christopher Boyer
(503) 697-7482
reach@martialarts-fitness.com
Academy of Modern Martial Arts
333 S State St., Suite A
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
www.martialarts-fitness.co
www.sosdad.com
Christopher and Kristine Boyer, the founders of the Academy of Modern Martial Arts, have been studying and teaching tai chi and self defense for more than 20 years. Chris says, “martial arts is the practice of personal excellence in all its forms. It’s about how we orient our resources to the task at hand. I feel honored and grateful to be a part of this process with our students”.
Chris and Kristine began offering tai chi specifically for PD patients more than 8 years ago at the suggestion of Deborah Burchiel, who for many years taught a popular pilates class for PD patients. Tai chi is about alignment, both internally and externally. Students, including those with PD, report improvement in balance and a lower incidence of falling, as well as a less tangible but nevertheless real sense of good will. The Academy also offers private sessions, and some PD clients attend other classes.
The Academy doesn’t draw a firm distinction between PD patients and other students. Chris says, “Of course the PD classes address the specific physical issues of people with Parkinson’s Disease. But our philosophy is that it is important to gently push all of our students to the edge of their comfort zones, including those with PD. People are often nervous or reluctant to try something new, and this is natural. But if we don’t continually push against our edges, our comfort zone will gradually shrink”.
Chris and Kristine also express their philosophy of service by maintaining a web site to draw attention to local charities, at www. sosdad.com. The name is an acronym for Service over Status, Deliver a Difference.